eases
/ˈiːzɪz/
VERB
1. Relieves pain, worry, or emotional distress
Makes physical pain, anxiety, worry, agitation, or discomfort less intense.
1.1. Relieving physical pain and discomfort
Describes reducing or soothing physical pain, soreness, or bodily discomfort.
Synonyms
- alleviates
- relieves
- assuages
- soothes
- mitigates
- lessens
Antonyms
- aggravates
- worsens
- intensifies
- exacerbates
Examples
- The warm compress eases muscle tension after a strenuous workout.
- A supportive chair eases back pain during long work hours.
Related Words
1.2. Calming anxiety and emotional distress
Describes reducing worry, fear, agitation, or emotional tension and helping someone feel calmer.
Synonyms
- allays
- calms
- soothes
- assuages
- comforts
- appeases
Antonyms
- aggravates
- agitates
- heightens
- intensifies
Examples
- A soothing cup of herbal tea often eases the mind before bedtime.
- The gentle music eases anxiety before an important presentation.
Related Words
- reassures
- pacifies
- consoles
- reassesses
VERB
2. Reduces difficulty or makes something easier
Makes a task, process, or situation less difficult, demanding, or complicated.
2.1. Facilitating tasks and processes
Describes making an activity or procedure easier to perform by reducing obstacles, effort, or complexity.
Synonyms
- facilitates
- simplifies
- streamlines
- helps
- assists
Antonyms
Examples
- The new software eases the process of managing customer records.
- Clear instructions ease the workload for inexperienced employees.
Related Words
VERB
3. Reduces in severity or intensity
Becomes or makes something less severe, strong, intense, or extensive.
3.1. A condition or situation becoming less severe
Describes pressure, symptoms, weather conditions, or other circumstances gradually becoming less intense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The storm eases as the evening approaches.
- Economic pressure eases when inflation begins to decline.
Related Words
3.2. Relaxing restrictions and controls
Describes making regulations, restrictions, requirements, or controls less strict or restrictive.
Synonyms
- relaxes
- loosens
- moderates
- reduces
- slackens
Antonyms
- tightens
- strengthens
- intensifies
- reinforces
Examples
- The government eases restrictions on public gatherings.
- The company eases its strict spending controls.
Related Words
- liberalizes
- modifies
- adjusts
- revises
3.3. Decreasing quantities or amounts
Describes reducing the quantity, size, number, or extent of something.
Synonyms
- decreases
- reduces
- cuts
- lowers
- curtails
- trims
Antonyms
Examples
- The retailer eases prices to attract more customers.
- The organization eases its expenses by cutting unnecessary costs.
Related Words
- minimizes
- downs sizes
- contracts
- diminishes
VERB
4. Gives someone respite or relief
Temporarily frees someone from a duty, burden, responsibility, or demanding situation.
4.1. Relieving someone of responsibilities
Describes giving someone a break from work, obligations, or responsibilities by taking over some of their duties.
Synonyms
- relieves
- frees
- releases
- disburdens
Antonyms
- burdens
- overloads
- encumbers
Examples
- A colleague eases her by taking over some of her responsibilities.
- Additional staff eases the workload during the busy season.
Related Words
- substitutes
- assists
- supports
- helps
VERB
5. Loosens or slackens tension
Reduces the tightness or tension of a rope, cable, line, or other stretched object.
5.1. Loosening ropes, cables, or lines
Describes reducing tension by allowing a rope, cable, or line to become less tight.
Synonyms
- slackens
- loosens
- slacks
- relaxes
Antonyms
- tightens
- fastens
Examples
- The sailor eases the rope to reduce the strain on the mast.
- The crew eases the tension on the cable before moving the equipment.
Related Words
VERB
6. Moves something slowly and carefully
Moves or guides something gradually and gently, avoiding sudden or forceful movement.
6.1. Carefully maneuvering or positioning something
Describes moving, guiding, or positioning an object or vehicle slowly and cautiously.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- jerks
- thrusts
- forces
Examples
- The drivers ease their cars into the narrow parking spaces.
- The workers ease the heavy equipment through the doorway.
Related Words
- positions
- shifts
- nudges
- slides
VERB
7. Proceeds with little effort
Moves forward or progresses smoothly and without apparent difficulty or strain.
7.1. Smooth and effortless progress
Describes progressing through an activity or situation smoothly, calmly, and without noticeable struggle.
Synonyms
- glides
- coasts
- sa ils
- flows
Antonyms
- struggles
- labors
- toils
Examples
- The experienced speakers ease through their presentations with confidence.
- The team eases into the final stage of the project.
Related Words
- advances
- progresses
- moves
- proceeds